Final answer:
Operative cholangiography is a procedure done to visualize biliary stones or neoplasms, to assess the function of the hepatopancreatic ampulla, and to check the patency of the biliary tract. Additional diagnostic methods include MRCP, ERCP, and gall bladder scans to assess the gallbladder and associated ducts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Operative cholangiography is a diagnostic procedure that can be performed to achieve several purposes related to the biliary tract:
- Visualize biliary stones or a neoplasm.
- Determine the function of the hepatopancreatic ampulla.
- Examine the patency of the biliary tract.
In addition to operative cholangiography, various other tests and procedures are utilized to diagnose gallbladder and biliary tree problems:
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): Uses MRI to produce detailed images of the bile and pancreatic ducts.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Involves inserting a tube through the throat to the small intestine and injecting dye to visualize the biliary and pancreatic ducts on an X-ray.
- Gall bladder scan: A nuclear scanning test to evaluate gallbladder function, involving a radioactive tracer to detect bile duct blockages.